Grape Seed

What is the most important information I should know about grape seed?

Grape seed has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of grape seed may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is grape seed?

The use of grape seed in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Grape seed is also known as Vitis vinifera.

Grape seed has been used as a dietary source of essential fatty acids and tocopherols and as an antioxidant. Grape seed had been used for its liver protective effects, to improve circulation (including conditions such as varicose veins, bruising, swelling, and decreased vision), and to improve skin tone and elasticity.

Grape seed has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of grape seed may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Grape seed may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take grape seed?

Before taking grape seed, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants or foods), or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Grape seed may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take grape seed without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether grape seed will harm an unborn baby.

Do not take grape seed without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether grape seed will harm a nursing infant.

There is no information available regarding the use of grape seed by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take grape seed?

The use of grape seed in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take grape seed, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Different formulations of grape seed are available to be used internally (orally) and externally (topically).

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures, and others) of grape seed at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of grape seed.

Store grape seed as directed on the package. In general, grape seed should be protected from light and moisture and stored in a sealed container.

What happens if I miss a dose?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of grape seed. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a grape seed overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking grape seed?

There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking grape seed, unless otherwise directed by your health care professional.

What are the possible side effects of grape seed?
Although rare, allergic reactions to grape seed may be possible. Stop taking grape seed and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

No other side effects have been reported with the use of grape seed. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect grape seed?

No interactions between grape seed and other medicines have been reported, although they are possible. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about grape seed.